THE MOST ANTICIPATED WEEKEND OF THE YEAR HAS ARRIVED

The Santa Claus parade returns as part of Christmas in Bayfield celebrations this Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. The last parade was held in the community in 2019. (Photo by John Pounder)

Christmas in Bayfield begins this weekend – Nov. 18-20!

The kick off to the holiday shopping season begins Friday night with the Lighting of the Lights in Clan Gregor Square at 7 p.m. coupled with music and a visit from Santa.

Saturday begins with the much anticipated Santa Claus parade at 11 a.m. There will be folks from the Bayfield Area Food Bank collecting dry goods during the parade to help those experiencing food insecurity during these uncertain times. Anyone who can spare it is asked to please bring a donation.

After the parade, people can enjoy a scavenger hunt for the children and make a craft (noon-1:30 p.m.) at the Gazebo in Clan Gregor Square and pick up a cookie making kit also in Clan Gregor Square; visit the Artisans, who will be found on Catherine Street; or stop and see live music or wood carving demonstrations in the Library Square. There will be an opportunity for children to visit with Santa from 1:30-3 p.m. in the Library Square as well. Plus don’t forget about the Christmas shopping!

Sunday, the vendors, the music and carving demos continue plus people are invited to experience a horse drawn carriage ride through town.

The restaurants are all ready to serve visitors a variety of amazing food and beverages as well when a break from all the shopping is needed. For a complete and up to the minute schedule of all happenings in Bayfield visit Schedule of Events 2022.

“There is still time to enter our contest to win one of five gift certificates of $100 to spend at any of our amazing Christmas in Bayfield supporters,” said Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce Secretary-Treasurer Terri  Louch. “The link to the entire list can be found at Christmas in Bayfield Donors.  Go to our Instagram page: @bayfieldontario or our Facebook Page Bayfield Ontario for all of the details! Tell us how you would spend $100 in Bayfield. The random draw will occur on Nov. 18th so hurry and enter today. You should tell your friends to enter as well!”

Louch would like to remind everyone that while the weekend of festivities ends Sunday evening, the village will be open for business throughout the entire holiday season and beyond.

“Did you know that many stores, restaurants, coffee shops and services are open all winter long? Come and experience the tranquility of beautiful Bayfield in the winter. The peace and beauty seep into your soul!” she said.

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE FOR BAYFIELD SECONDARY PLAN THIS FRIDAY

The process of formulating a Secondary Plan for Bayfield continues and is now moving to the public consultation stage with opportunities for residents to comment upcoming.

An Open House will be held this Friday, Nov. 18 at the Bayfield Public Library and interested individuals are welcome to drop by anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.  There will be interactive panels provided for feedback and staff available to answer questions.

A Public Meeting will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26 starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Bayfield Community Centre. A formal presentation by staff will be conducted followed by a question period and time to provide feedback.

“Please join us to review and discuss the first draft of the Bayfield Secondary Plan this month! If you are not able to attend in person, online feedback forms will be available on the Huron County Connects page or you can email directly to Planning staff,” said Manager of Planning for the County of Huron and Staff Lead for Planned Bayfield, Denise Van Amersfoort.

Owners of large, undeveloped parcels of land will be receiving an invitation for one-on-one meetings through the mail. Should they not receive one and wish to understand how the Secondary Plan will influence the future development of their property, they should please call or email Van Amersfoort at dvanamersfoort@huroncounty.ca or call 1-888-524-8394 Ext. 3 to set up a time. Meetings can be in person on-site or by phone.

Public feedback will be reviewed by the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) and incorporated into the Secondary Plan before Bluewater Council receives the final document in early 2023.

The CAC has completed their review of the first draft of the Secondary Plan and it is available for public review and feedback. A more condensed version of the draft policies has been prepared in response to Committee feedback. Other recent changes include:

• Removal of Neighborhood Commercial policies;
• Maintain ‘Highway Commercial’ designation name and scale back extent of designation expansion along Hwy 21 and Mill Road;
• Proceed with minimum density requirement of 15 units per hectare for future development lands;
• Proceed with series of zoning-related changes that support the vision outlined in the Secondary Plan; and
• Compilation of additional recommendations that support the vision of Bayfield as outlined in the Secondary Plan.

The community’s vision of Bayfield as articulated in the initial rounds of public input is of a walkable, green and vibrant community that maintains an authentic village character. To achieve this vision, members of the CAC felt strongly that while some of the ideas raised during the development of the Secondary Plan are outside of scope of Official Plan policies and/or Zoning recommendations, it is important to document and forward these ideas to Bluewater Council as part of the Secondary Plan process.

Eleven recommendations are currently included.

The Bayfield Breeze began highlighting these recommendations in Issue 696 and will continue to do so this week and next. Highlights for this Issue include: Publicly owned urban forest, Short-Term Rentals By-law, Proper abandonment of unused drinking water wells and active transportation.

Publicly Owned Urban Forest – Bayfield has the great fortune of containing significant natural areas within the Settlement Area boundary. It is the community’s vision that portions of these natural areas would be publicly accessible as an “Urban Forest” as a complement to existing park spaces which tend to be more open space and programmed areas (eg. Clan Gregor Square). Similar to the Maitland Woods Urban Forest within the Town of Goderich, the vision is that this space would be owned and maintained by the Municipality.

Recommendation: That the Municipality adopt a “Parkland Dedication Bylaw” to allow for the dedication of urban forests as parkland within set criteria.

Short-Term Rentals By-law – There was significant discussion at the Committee level over the impacts of short-term rentals within the Village. Some members felt that these properties provide necessary accommodation to support tourism and hospitality businesses within Bayfield and the surrounding area. Others felt that if left unregulated, these uses could negatively impact neighborhood dynamics. The introduction of Additional Residential Unit policies was concerning to some as it is felt that these units could be utilized exclusively for short term rental and not for permanent accommodation.

Recommendation: It is recommended that the Municipality establish a Short-Term Rentals By-law to permit this activity within set parameters.

Proper Abandonment of Unused Drinking Water Wells –  Ontario Well Water Records reflect that many properties in Bayfield still contain drinking water wells. Municipal water was established in the Village in the late 1990s which has rendered the majority of these wells to be unnecessary and potentially unmaintained. Landowners with unused wells may be eligible for funding under the Huron Clean Water Program to decommission these wells.

Recommendation: That the Huron Clean Water Program be promoted in Bayfield to encourage the proper abandonment of unused drinking water wells.

Active Transportation (two concerns fall under this heading):

Pedestrian Crossing over Hwy. 21 – The lack of pedestrian crossing infrastructure over Highway 21 as it moves through the Village is a major issue for residents. The Ministry of Transportation completed pedestrian crossing counts in recent years and continued advocacy for a formal pedestrian crossing is a community priority. In terms of the location of the pedestrian crossing, the preferred location by the community is at Howard or Jane Street.

Recommendation: That the Municipality continue to engage Ministry of Transportation staff in next steps for establishing a pedestrian crossing within the Village limits, preferably in proximity to Clan Gregor Square.

Alignment of Intersection at Hwy 21/Mill Road/Cameron Street – Public input was that this intersection is considered to be misaligned. Staff indicated that prior to additional development in this area, Traffic Impact Studies would be required to assess impact on the intersection and identify any necessary upgrades. The feedback from the Citizen Advisory Committee is that the existing intersection is problematic without additional development.

Recommendation: That Municipal Staff continue to engage the Ministry of Transportation staff in assessing this intersection and provide updates to the public on progress.

The Secondary Plan is available for review at www.connectedcountyofhuron.ca.

Anyone with questions, comments or concerns is asked to contact Van Amersfoort directly. Her contact information is listed above.

DAVE GILLIANS PRESENTING TO HURON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Huron County Historical Society will be hosting a meeting this evening (Nov. 16)  that may especially appeal to Bayfield residents.

“Lots More Bayfield Love”, will be the topic of a talk given by village historian and author Dave Gillians beginning at 7 p.m.

Gillians will provide information about the second revised edition of his book, “For the Love of Bayfield”; the offspring of that book, “Reflections of Bayfield” and the newly published book “A Venture in Antiques in 1950’s Bayfield”.

The historian will also talk about the statue of Henry Wolsey Bayfield that now graces Admiral Bayfield Square on the village’s Main Street as well as the return to the village of the beautiful, white horse drawn Landau crafted at the Bayfield Wagon and Carriage Works under the artistic leadership of the late Tom Penhale.

Participants must register to receive the ZOOM link to the presentation by emailing HCHS1965@gmail.com.

All three of the books that Gillians will be featuring in his presentation are available at the Bayfield Archives and Welcome Centre as well as The Village Bookshop in Bayfield.

“We wish to thank The Village Bookshop for stocking and selling our books over the winter season,” said Past President of the Bayfield Historical Society. “Due to the lack of volunteers we are unable to have the archives open except for this coming Christmas in Bayfield weekend.”

The Bayfield Archives and Welcome Centre will be open Friday from 7-9 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

David Yates, the author of the book Admiral Henry Wolsey Bayfield, will be at the archives both Saturday and Sunday from 1-3 p.m.  The hardcover limited edition sells for $40 while the softcover is $20.

“This book will make an excellent Christmas gift, and David will dedicate and sign your purchase,” concluded Gibson.

SANTA’S BRINGING HIS WORKSHOP TO TOWN

A chance for four to12 year-olds to pick a gift for a special adult in their lives without any adults in the family knowing what it is will be happening at the Bayfield Community Centre on Nov. 19 thanks to Seeds Rooted in Youth. (Submitted photo)

Seeds Rooted in Youth (Seeds) is hosting a new event for children and youth on Nov. 19 that is also a gift for the adults in their lives! Owner and Lead Facilitator Janneke Vorsteveld at Seeds is bringing Santa’s Workshop to the Bayfield Community Centre.

For $30, grown-ups can give their child the gift of picking out a present for a special adult in their life all on their own! The event will run from noon until 4:30 p.m. and participants are asked to register online by picking a time slot: Santa’s Workshop Registration.

So how does this event work? Voresteveld explained, “Kids will get dropped off for a 45 minute time frame, where they will be able to pick, wrap and decorate a gift for an adult in their lives. They can also have hot chocolate, a snack and get their face painted by Snippitty the Clown.All without their parents/caregivers! Yup, you read that right, you drop them off and we do the rest.”

This is a chance for four to12 year-olds to pick a gift for a special adult in their lives without any adults in the family knowing what it is.

Donation Collection for gifts is happening now at the Bayfield Garage, 9 Main Street South.

“Donations do not need to be new items, used are great as well. Anything that could be a great gift for an adult and a child can carry home,” said Vorsteveld. She noted that gift ideas might include such items as scarves, socks, ties, home decor, and costume jewelry.

Fifteen spots will be donated to local youth in need through the Children’s Aid Society. Proceeds from this event will go to a sponsorship program to help get more kids learning outdoors. And the Bayfield Garage has graciously donated a free skate in the arena from 1-5 p.m. so families are invited to bring their skates to enjoy some ice time before or after shopping.

Seeds is in need of some volunteers to ensure that the afternoon runs smoothly – teenagers in need of service hours or adults are most welcome. Tasks include setting up and taking down tables as well as assisting  groups of five kids through picking a gift, wrapping it and decorating it. Please contact Vorsteveld at seedsrooted@gmail.com for more information.

CHILDREN’S CONCERT RETURNING FOR CHRISTMAS IN BAYFIELD

Puppetry is always a fun part of The Glee Sisters concert, like this one held in November of 2018, with some of the youngsters interacting conversely with the characters. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The Glee Sisters will be presenting “Olaf’s Night Before Christmas” through song, story and puppets at the Bayfield Town Hall during the Christmas in Bayfield weekend.

There will be two performances on Saturday, Nov. 19, the first at 1:30 p.m. followed by a second at 3 p.m.  The Village Bookshop will have the book on sale at both performances.

Young children will no doubt love to sing seasonal favorites and play interactive musical games with a gift of a safety-approved rhythm instrument donated by Greg Stewart.  The Village Bookshop will have the book on sale at both performances. The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society will provide hot chocolate and cookies following the shows.

The choir is directed by Lisa Stewart, accompanied by Mary McGoldrick. Helen Latimer and Gabriele Croft will be puppeteers and Jen Smith will be acting as technical consultant.

Admission is free but donations to the Bayfield Area Food Bank will be gratefully received.

GINGERBREAD COOKIE DISTRIBUTION MOVES TO CLAN GREGOR SQUARE

Youngsters will be able to pick up their “Take & Make” Gingerbread Cookie Kits from the FOBL again this year but this time the group will be set up in Clan Gregor Square to distribute. (Submitted photo)

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Bayfield without a Gingerbread Cookie Decorating event for the kids! And the Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) elves are busy getting it all ready. Like last year, the event will be a “Take & Make” format.

The gingerbread cookie decorating kits will be ready for pickup in Clan Gregor Square on Saturday, Nov. 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m., right after the parade. There is no need to register for this event. Please note the location change as the gingerbread event has been at the library in previous years.

Each cookie kit will contain a gingerbread cookie with all the decorations needed to create a delicious, one-of-a-kind masterpiece at home. A gluten-free cookie option will be available. The kit will also include a “gingerbread” themed bookmark as well as some other fun items and a draw ticket to be filled out at the event for a chance to win one of two $25 gift certificates from The Village Bookshop. Complete the draw ticket and leave it in the jar at the pickup table. The draw will take place on Nov. 19.

FOBL is very grateful to The Village Bookshop and Bayfield Foodland for their generous donations to support this year’s Gingerbread Cookie Decorating event.

As in past years, parents (and grandparents too!) are invited to send photos of the completed cookie masterpieces to contact@fobl.ca. The photos will be posted on the FOBL Facebook page over the following week. For privacy reasons, no photos of children will be posted.

IN MEMORIAM

FIRST MAYOR OF BLUEWATER HAS DIED

Bill Dowson (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The community will no doubt be saddened to learn that a pillar of the Municipality of Bluewater has died, former Mayor William “Bill” Dowson, who held the position from the start of amalgamation in 2001 until 2014.

Dowson, of Varna, died peacefully at Queensway Nursing Home, in Hensall on Wednesday, Nov. 9. He was in his 85th year.

Beloved husband of the late Joyce Elaine (Jewitt) Dowson (Aug. 22, 2019) for 59 years. Loving father of Brenda and Scott Consitt, of Varna; Bonnie Groot, of Hensall; and John Dowson, of Varna.

Cherished grandfather of Stacey and Cody Anderson, Kelly Consitt and Mike Crete, Kim Consitt and Mitch McCall, and Steven Consitt, Michael and Lindsay Groot, Matthew and Kaylene Groot, Justin and Brittany Groot, Jeremy Groot, Alysha Dowson and Jeff Boyes, Jayme Dowson and Perry Weido, Krysten Dowson, Jason and Adel Dowson. He was treasured by his great-grandchildren.

Dear brother-in-law of John and Barb Jewitt, Dennis and Phyllis Jewitt, Janice Preszcator, Bonnie Jewitt, Don and Pat Jewitt, Larry and Jessie Jewitt, Ken and Mary Jewitt, and Steven and Rose Jewitt. Dear uncle of David and Jamie Tipping. Predeceased by his parents Harold and Margaret Dowson, sister Marion and Earl Tipping, brother John Dowson, brothers-in-law Ross and Kevin Jewitt, Jim Preszcator, and nephew Dan Tipping.

Friends were received at the Stanley Township Complex 38572 Mill Rd., Varna on Nov. 14 where the funeral service was held on Nov. 15. Cremation.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Huron Residential Hospice, Brucefield Community United Church, Huntington’s Society, or St. Andrew’s United Church in Bayfield would be appreciated.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Falconer Funeral Homes – Clinton. Messages of condolence for the Dowson Family may be placed at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com

GATEWAY LAUNCHES NEW PROJECT IN SUPPORT OF FARMERS

Research Assistant of Gateway and Active Counseling Psychology Masters Student, Becky Higgs, presented an introduction to “S.H.E.D. Talks: Sustaining Healthy Farms Through Empowerment and Dedication”. A group of approximately 25 farmers from the Huron County region were present for the launch on Nov. 4.

MP Huron-Bruce Ben Lobb attended the launch of a new project, by Gateway Centre for Excellence in Rural Health on Nov. 4. (Submitted photos)

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) launched a new project, “S.H.E.D. Talks: Sustaining Healthy Farms Through Empowerment and Dedication”. A group of approximately 25 farmers from the Huron County region were present for the launch.

“Our farmers are the most important business people driving the local, rural economy here and feeding our community. Keeping farmers healthy should be the number one priority for our community,” said Gwen Devereaux, president of Gateway.

This project and launch event was planned, organized and hosted by the Gateway team. They also hosted a breakfast for those attending.

The launch featured greetings and introductions from Devereaux, followed by greetings from MP Huron-Bruce Ben Lobb; Huron County Warden Glen McNeil; Director of Economic Development Huron County Vicki Lass; and Mayor of Central Huron Jim Ginn.

Margaret Vincent representing the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Huron Perth outlined programs available to farmers under stress such as the “Farmers Wellness Initiative”, “Guardian Network” and “In the Know”.

Research Assistant of Gateway and Active Counseling Psychology Masters Student, Becky Higgs, presented an introduction to S.H.E.D. Talks. The presentation included discussion regarding the importance of the project, which centres around building connections and empowering an agricultural community. Further, it focuses on the goal of reducing social isolation and lessening the daily stressors that farmers experience.

“No one knows the farm better than the farmer themselves which makes it difficult for them to try to explain to others what it’s like being on the farm 24/7. This is why it is so important that we try to create this farmer to farmer connection so that they are able to lean on each other for support and conversation which is exactly what we are trying to do with S.H.E.D. Talks,” said Higgs.

The group had the opportunity to hear from Tom Melady, a local retired Huron County dairy farmer, who had the courage to speak about his own personal journey of dealing with agricultural life challenges. Later in the event, the group heard from Josh Groot, CPA at PTMG LLP in Exeter, who spoke about one of the pressing stressors farmers undergo; this being, ‘Farm Succession Planning”.

Gateway recognizes their generous donors for their support of this project: Trillium Mutual Insurance and Huron Millwrights.

Gateway is a not-for-profit corporation with charitable status. Its mission is to improve the health and quality of life of rural residents through research, education, and communication.

To learn more, visit their website at Gateway.

SUPPORT CONSERVATION EVENTS LIKE OWL PROWLS ON GIVING TUESDAY

More than 130 people attended Owl Prowls at two conservation areas in October and November. Those who attended donated more than $1,000 to support local conservation education.

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) hosted Owl Prowls at Rock Glen Conservation Area near Arkona, for the first time, in October. The conservation authority then hosted Owl Prowls in November at Morrison Dam Conservation Area east of Exeter.

“I would like to thank all the people who came out and learned about owls and the importance of good habitat,” said Denise Iszczuk, Conservation educator with ABCA. “I am happy to say we exceeded our expectations and thank the people who attended for their generous donations. All proceeds will help us continue to provide learning experiences focusing on soil, water and living things.”

It is not too late to donate to conservation education programs. People may make a donation instead of a gift or to mark a special occasion. Any donations of more than $20 are eligible for a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes.

Giving Tuesday is celebrating ten years of work to engage people in giving to charity on a special day. This day of giving takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) is asking people for their support, for community conservation projects, on Giving Tuesday. They may donate to support all the programs of the Conservation Foundation or they may specify which program they want to support.

The Chair ABCF is Dave Frayne. He encourages people to donate to community betterment.

“It is your generosity that makes it possible to enhance trails and natural areas in our community and to support conservation education and other programs for young people and people of all ages,” he said.

To donate to ABCF for Giving Tuesday, visit the Conservation Foundation’s Giving Tuesday web page.

There is a private message box for donations so that individuals can type into the text field there to let the Foundation know which program they want to support. Examples of community enhancement projects include habitat for turtles, conservation education, trails, Student Environmental Award, Junior Conservationist job opportunity program, tree planting through Carbon Footprints to Forests, wetlands, habitat for pollinators; conservation areas, or another conservation program of their choice.

To learn more about community projects of the Conservation Foundation, or how to support their work with a donation, visit this web page: ABC Foundation. Also, feel free to contact the Conservation Foundation by email at info@abca.ca or by phone at 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November are popular days for shopping and to buy things. As those retail mega-days wind down, the Conservation Foundation asks people to consider a different kind of day – Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is not a day to buy things but a day to give a gift of a different kind, a gift to nature and to the community.

Giving Tuesday is a global movement, for giving and volunteering, that takes place each year after Black Friday. Black Friday is a day devoted to supporting the economy. Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesdayCa) is a day devoted to supporting the community. To learn more about Giving Tuesday, visit the Giving Tuesday Canada website.

GODERICH KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BENEFIT FROM CRAFT SHOW

The first annual “A Farmers Market Christmas Craft Sale”, hosted by Edge Wood Decor, will take place Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Goderich Columbus Centre and Banquet Hall.

The sale will commence with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.

Event organizer Cindy Scholten, owner of Edge Wood Decor, said joining her for the opening ceremony will be Goderich Mayor Myles Murdock, Mayor of Central Huron Jim Ginn, Manager of the Goderich Columbus Centre Natasha Cutler, and the Grand Knight of the Goderich Knights of Columbus John Glazier.

Scholten has 20 plus years of event planning experience and has been hosting vendor markets for the last two years.

“I decided to begin hosting these markets as a way to support other makers and small business owners like myself,” said Scholten. “This event in particular has special meaning to me, since this is my new home town, having lived here for just about two years now. I’ve been a huge supporter of small business. Bringing businesses together like this is not only a great way to support the local community, but also our local charities.”

The Farmers Market Christmas Craft Sale has chosen the Goderich Knights of Columbus as their charity of choice.

“They support over 30 different local charities, so it’s a huge win for the community,” said Scholten. “The event is free to attend, but we do ask for a small cash donation at entry, which goes directly to the Goderich Knights of Columbus. We have to remember, service clubs and charities are also still recovering from the effects of the pandemic.”

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free selfies with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event should have something for everyone, with 45 local vendors consisting of artists, crafters, makers and small business owners.

“We will have some of the most unique items to shop from, as well as home decor, pastries and treats and even our own Square Brew in Goderich and Hessenland Inn and Schatz Winery from St. Joseph will be there,” added Scholten. “The fun doesn’t end there, I always have free draws for tons of prizes and we’ll even have live music. All you need to do is come out to shop and meet Santa before the big parade!”

The Goderich Columbus Centre and Banquet Hall is located at 390 Parsons Court.

CONSIDER AUSABLE BAYFIELD CONSERVATION ON GIVING TUESDAY

Giving Tuesday is celebrating ten years of work to engage people in giving to charity on a special day. This day of giving takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) is asking people for their support, for community conservation projects, on Giving Tuesday. They may donate to support all the programs of the Conservation Foundation or they may specify which program they want to support.

The Chair ABCF is Dave Frayne. He encourages people to donate to community betterment.

“It is your generosity that makes it possible to enhance trails and natural areas in our community and to support conservation education and other programs for young people and people of all ages,” he said.

To donate to ABCF for Giving Tuesday, visit the Conservation Foundation’s Giving Tuesday web page.

There is a private message box for donations so that individuals can type into the text field there to let the Foundation know which program they want to support. Examples of community enhancement projects include habitat for turtles, conservation education, trails, Student Environmental Award, Junior Conservationist job opportunity program, tree planting through Carbon Footprints to Forests, wetlands, habitat for pollinators; conservation areas, or another conservation program of their choice.

To learn more about community projects of the Conservation Foundation, or how to support their work with a donation, visit this web page: ABC Foundation. Also, feel free to contact the Conservation Foundation by email at info@abca.ca or by phone at 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November are popular days for shopping and to buy things. As those retail mega-days wind down, the Conservation Foundation asks people to consider a different kind of day – Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is not a day to buy things but a day to give a gift of a different kind, a gift to nature and to the community.

Giving Tuesday is a global movement, for giving and volunteering, that takes place each year after Black Friday. Black Friday is a day devoted to supporting the economy. Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesdayCa) is a day devoted to supporting the community. To learn more about Giving Tuesday, visit the Giving Tuesday Canada website.